Brits warned to 'have restraint' as EU seaside spot unveils brutal clampdown
A popular seaside resort is threatening rule-breaking Brits with hefty fines for making one simple mistake. Famed for its 6.8-mile stretch of golden sand, emerald waters, and all-round charm, Les Sables-d'Olonne has quickly become a hotspot for both international and domestic tourists.
Situated on the Atlantic coast of western France, in the acclaimed Vendée subprefecture, this tiny port is jam-packed with things to do - from pristine golf courses, adrenaline-pumping water sports and its very own zoo. However, Mayor Yannic Moreau has recently warned tourists to have a 'little restraint' as the resort continues to clamp down on holidaymakers wearing their swimsuits in public.
The town first introduced a strict rule of wearing bikinis and swim shorts outside of the beach area back in 2020, and is determined to make the policy stick. Just last month, officials fined 10 people - all of whom were actually French - up to €150 (around £130). It comes after a warning to Brit tourists planning all-inclusive holidays to Spain.
According to the New York Times, the politician fumed: "If you go to a market to buy local food - fruits, vegetables, meat [etc] - you cannot be half-naked with hair falling onto vegetables.
"It's a matter of decency... I don't know if it's a reflex to show one's muscles or to tan more quickly and not lose an hour of sunlight."
Mr Moreau added that tourists wanting to be 'half or fully naked' can do so at the beach, as Sables d'Olonne actually has its own nudist beach. In a recent social media post, he argued the rule had been implemented due to respect and hygiene, adding: "You do not want to be in contact with your neighbour's skin."
Of course, France is not the only country clamping down on scantily-clad tourists this summer. Over in the Spanish city of Málaga, the government has been displaying 10 strict rules visitors must follow as part of its 'Improve Your Stay' campaign, which first launched in 2024.
As previously reported, these demands have been displayed on buses, billboards and across social media and are designed to 'ease tensions between tourists and residents' following a string of protests that have plagued the country in recent months. The main rule: "Dress completely."
While wearing a bikini or your swim shorts is perfectly acceptable when kicking back at your hotel pool or enjoying a day at the beach - wearing these types of clothing in the streets could result in a hefty fine of up to €750 (almost £650). "In some parts of Spain it's illegal to be in the street wearing only a bikini or swimming shorts," the FCDO states.
"Being bare-chested is also illegal in some areas in Spain. You could be fined if you're caught wearing swimwear on the seafront promenade or adjacent streets."
Portugal is another country cracking down on swimwear, particularly in the Brit-riddled hotspot of the Algarve. Tourists found showing too much skin when outside of 'exempted areas' such as hotels, beaches, beach access points, and swimming pools, may soon be fined a whopping £1,250.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
27 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Ryanair passengers warned as strikes loom at multiple holiday airports
The action is expected to affect thousands of British holidaymakers, with travellers urged to check their insurance policies as they may not be covered for delays, cancellations or being stranded With just a week left before widespread strikes kick off at 12 airports across Spain, British holidaymakers are being advised to review their insurance policies in light of potential delays, cancellations, or the risk of being stranded overseas. More than 3,000 baggage handlers from Azul Handling, which provides services for Ryanair flights, are set to strike at 12 of Spain's busiest airports starting from August 15, as highlighted by experts at Forum Insurance. The airports facing disruption include Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Alicante, Ibiza, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Tenerife South, Girona, Lanzarote, and Santiago de Compostela. The walkouts are planned for August 15, 16, and 17 during three critical time windows: 5am to 9am, 12pm to 3pm, and 9pm to 11.59pm. The industrial action is then slated to continue every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the remainder of the year. The union has cited poor working conditions and violations of labour rights as the reasons behind the strikes. This comes at a time when summer holidays are at their peak, potentially impacting thousands of Brits travelling to Spain. José Manuel Pérez Grande, federal secretary of the FeSMC-UGT air union, said: "Azul Handling maintains a strategy of precariousness and pressure on the workforce that violates basic labour rights and systematically ignores union demands." However, a spokesperson for Ryanair has downplayed concerns, stating: "Ryanair does not expect any disruption to our operation as a result of these third-party handling strikes in Spain." Advice for travellers affected by Spanish airport strikes Niraj Mamtora, director at Forum Insurance, explained: "Standard travel insurance policies often exclude airspace disruptions, so you should never assume that you're covered for events like strikes, airport closures or air traffic control outages. To protect yourself, look for a policy that offers 'travel disruption' or 'airspace closure' as an optional extra or higher-tier feature." He continued: "Travel disruption insurance can cover you if your flight is cancelled or delayed due to strikes or airspace closures, and may reimburse you for unused travel and accommodation, enforced stays abroad, or extra expenses if you're stranded and no suitable alternative transport is available for more than 24 hours." The insurance expert added: "Even when the disruption is caused by ground staff, such as baggage handlers, it can still affect flights and fall under certain travel disruption or airspace closure clauses, depending on the policy wording." Mamtora cautioned: "Always check your policy wording carefully. Some insurers require that the disruption be unexpected and not known at the time you book or buy your policy. If you travel against official advice, or if the event was foreseeable, you may not be covered." Already booked but unsure if you're covered? Niraj added: "First, check your existing policy documents carefully. Some standard travel insurance plans may offer limited protection for delays or missed departures, even if they don't specifically mention airspace closure. Look for sections on 'travel disruption' or 'missed departure' to see if any cover applies. "If your policy doesn't include this, contact your airline or travel provider directly. Airlines are often obliged to offer rebooking, refunds, or care such as meals and accommodation. Package holiday providers may also be responsible for rearranging your travel or offering compensation. "For future trips, consider adding 'travel disruption' or 'airspace closure' cover as an optional extra. It's a small investment that can save you significant stress and cost if the unexpected happens again." Practical advice for holidaymakers Niraj has also provided further guidance for those heading to Spain later this month: Examine your policy paperwork immediately. Even if you believe you have coverage, the small print, exclusions and terms are crucial. Those who have recently booked their getaway or insurance should note that insurers might refuse to cover disruption from industrial action that was already publicly announced. Verify whether the strike qualifies as a 'known event' according to your policy. Get in touch with your airline or tour operator promptly if you're scheduled to fly during strike periods. Whilst many companies have contingency measures ready, swift action on your part is essential. Hold on to receipts for any additional expenses incurred due to delays, as they may be required if you decide to make a claim. If possible, try to plan your travel outside of the anticipated strike periods to minimise the risk of disruption. In case your flight is delayed and you miss a subsequent journey or prepaid transfer, your insurance might only cover this if it includes missed connection or onward travel protection. It's always wise to read the small print. Niraj advised: "Travel disruption cover usually doesn't allow you to cancel your holiday just because of expected delays. Claims are typically only accepted for specific costs you've incurred due to confirmed disruption."
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
'Quirky' British village with a beach that belongs in the Mediterranean
Polperro is one of those places that is so beautiful, it doesn't seem real – and the beach is so stunning it could be mistaken for the Mediterranean. Soaking up the sun in the Mediterranean sounds hugely appealing to many Brits, but the cost of heading abroad can skyrocket, particularly during the school holidays. Luckily for us, we have our own slice of Greece right here in the UK. Tucked away in Cornwall, a secret treasure of a village offers bright blue seas and picturesque backdrops. The historic fishing village of Polperro boasts a distinctive combination of allure and tranquillity that resembles Greece more than a conventional Cornish fishing settlement. According to specialists at Park Holidays: "With whitewashed cottages and boats bobbing in the tiny harbour, Polperro feels more like a tucked-away Greek island than a Cornish fishing village." The village is surrounded by towering cliffs and abundant vegetation, creating a breathtaking setting for the peaceful waters of its cove. Yet what truly distinguishes Polperro is its unspoilt shoreline, which on bright days appears to reflect the hues of the Aegean Sea, transforming it into an "Aegean shade of turquoise". It's this flawless combination of landscape and calm that makes Polperro a coveted destination for those seeking a taste of the Mediterranean without boarding a plane. As the specialists describe it: "Narrow, winding streets lead to cafés and shops with serious Santorini charm." Whilst you won't discover souvlaki or baklava on offer, the village's selection of fish and chip establishments and ice cream parlours provides a delightful, regional substitute for Greece's celebrated tavernas, reports the Express. For visitors who appreciate both heritage and the natural world, Polperro delivers. With its rich seafaring legacy evident in its thriving port, where traditional vessels continue to moor just as they have for generations, there's plenty to discover. TripAdvisor users have praised the village, with one saying: "It's like going back in time. This is one of our favourite villages in Cornwall." Another said: "It's a bit a bit of a walk from the car park into town, but it's well worth it when you get there, with quirky little alleyways, cute smugglers cottages, a working harbour offering boat trips and plenty of traditional Cornish pubs." It was a bustling hub for pilchard fishing and smuggling during the 18th and 19th centuries, according to Holiday Cottages Polperro. They say: "Pilchards were caught in huge numbers by Polperro Gaffers, large gaff-rigged boats of which there were once 40 operating out of the harbour. "The fish once caught were processed in the village and this provided work for many women and children. There were three factories by the harbour involved in this and here the pilchards were salted and then cured." Multiple walking routes along the nearby clifftops offer breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean beneath, with the South West Coast Path winding directly through the village. What enhances Polperro's charm further is its closeness to other Cornish locations. Just a brief journey from well-known spots such as Fowey and Looe, it serves as an ideal starting point for discovering the area. And at a fraction of the cost of an all-inclusive trip to Santorini, there's plenty to love about the prospect of visiting here.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Ryanair passengers told to 'check' ahead of strikes at multiple Spanish airports
British travellers are being urged to check their insurance policies now, with the possibility of delays, cancellations or even being stranded abroad With just a week left before strikes hit 12 Spanish airports, British holidaymakers are being advised to review their insurance policies in anticipation of potential delays, cancellations, or even being stranded overseas. More than 3,000 Azul Handling baggage handlers, who service Ryanair flights, are set to strike at some of Spain's busiest airports starting from August 15, as highlighted by experts at Forum Insurance. The airports facing disruption include Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Alicante, Ibiza, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Tenerife South, Girona, Lanzarote, and Santiago de Compostela. The industrial action is planned for August 15, 16 and 17 during the peak hours of 5am to 9am, 12pm to 3pm, and 9pm to 11.59pm. The strikes are expected to carry on every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout the remainder of the year. The union has cited poor working conditions and breaches of labour rights as the reasons behind the strikes. This comes at a time when many Brits are jetting off for their summer holidays, potentially impacting thousands of travellers. José Manuel Pérez Grande, federal secretary of the FeSMC-UGT air union, said: "Azul Handling maintains a strategy of precariousness and pressure on the workforce that violates basic labour rights and systematically ignores union demands." A Ryanair spokesperson downplayed concerns: "Ryanair does not expect any disruption to our operation as a result of these third-party handling strikes in Spain." Advice for travellers affected by Spanish airport strikes Niraj Mamtora, director at Forum Insurance, has issued a stark warning to travellers: "Standard travel insurance policies often exclude airspace disruptions, so you should never assume that you're covered for events like strikes, airport closures or air traffic control outages. To protect yourself, look for a policy that offers 'travel disruption' or 'airspace closure' as an optional extra or higher-tier feature. "Travel disruption insurance can cover you if your flight is cancelled or delayed due to strikes or airspace closures, and may reimburse you for unused travel and accommodation, enforced stays abroad, or extra expenses if you're stranded and no suitable alternative transport is available for more than 24 hours. "Even when the disruption is caused by ground staff, such as baggage handlers, it can still affect flights and fall under certain travel disruption or airspace closure clauses, depending on the policy wording. "Always check your policy wording carefully. Some insurers require that the disruption be unexpected and not known at the time you book or buy your policy. If you travel against official advice, or if the event was foreseeable, you may not be covered." Already booked but unsure if you're covered? Niraj advised: "First, check your existing policy documents carefully. Some standard travel insurance plans may offer limited protection for delays or missed departures, even if they don't specifically mention airspace closure. Look for sections on 'travel disruption' or 'missed departure' to see if any cover applies. "If your policy doesn't include this, contact your airline or travel provider directly. Airlines are often obliged to offer rebooking, refunds, or care such as meals and accommodation. Package holiday providers may also be responsible for rearranging your travel or offering compensation. "For future trips, consider adding 'travel disruption' or 'airspace closure' cover as an optional extra. It's a small investment that can save you significant stress and cost if the unexpected happens again." Essential advice for travellers Niraj has also imparted further guidance for those jetting off to Spain later this month: Scrutinise your policy documents immediately. Even if you believe you're insured, the specifics, exclusions, and conditions are crucial. If your holiday or insurance was recently purchased, bear in mind that insurers might not cover disruptions already known when you booked. Verify if the strike is considered a 'known event' in your policy. Get in touch with your airline or tour operator promptly if your flight coincides with the strike dates. Many companies have contingency strategies, but it's essential to take swift action. Hold on to any receipts for extra costs incurred due to delays – they could be crucial if you decide to claim compensation. If possible, try to arrange your travel plans around the anticipated strike periods to minimise inconvenience. Should your flight be delayed and you miss a subsequent connection or a pre-booked transfer, you might only be eligible for coverage if your insurance policy includes missed connection or onward travel clauses. It's always wise to scrutinise the small print. Niraj said: "Travel disruption cover usually doesn't allow you to cancel your holiday just because of expected delays. Claims are typically only accepted for specific costs you've incurred due to confirmed disruption."
